Galveston County Texas Warrant Search
In Galveston County, as in many other parts of the United States, warrants are court orders issued for specific actions. They can be as simple as requesting someone's presence in court for a civil violation. Or, they can result in someone's immediate arrest by law enforcement for an alleged crime. Both types should be handled swiftly however, an arrest warrant is the most serious that can upend someone's livelihood. Understanding these differences is very important, as well as knowing how to run a Galveston County Texas warrant search. We'll cover these different warrants in detail and show you the various ways to find out and verify if you, or someone you know, has one.
Galveston County Active Warrants Explained
Warrants in Galveston County Texas are legal tools used by the justice system to enforce the law. These are specific procedures that must be followed legally before they are issued, which is protected by the 4th Amendment of the Constitution. They are used to uphold the law and maintain public safety, holding those accountable for their civic duties, or crimes they've committed. There are various types of warrants, but the two most common are arrest warrants and bench warrants, as explained here:
Galveston County Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is always initiated by a judge or magistrate, which gives notice to the police to arrest a specific person for a specific criminal act. An arrest warrant must be based on probable cause, strong evidence, or affidavit by law enforcement. This means there is a reasonable belief that the person in question has committed a crime. The warrant will include details about the alleged criminal offense and the individual's identity, as well as the issuing court and judge.
When Is an Arrest Warrant Issued?
Arrest warrants are only issued when law enforcement or a district attorney has gathered enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. This can happen in various situations, such as after an investigation or following a grand jury indictment.
Galveston County Bench Warrants
A bench warrant, on the other hand, is non-criminal in nature, and is commonly issued by a judge when a person fails to comply with a court order. This can include missing a court date, missing jury duty, failing to pay a fine, or not adhering to probation conditions. Unlike arrest warrants, bench warrants are not related to new criminal charges.
Consequences of a Bench Warrant
If you have a bench warrant against you, a notice will be sent out. However, it can result in arrest if its is ignored and you are stopped by the police. Bench warrants can also affect your ability to renew your driver's license or travel outside the country without restrictions. While not as dire as an arrest warrant, it is equally as important to address one as soon as possible to avoid additional consequences.
How to Run a Warrant Search in Galveston County
If you suspect that there might be a warrant out for your arrest in Galveston County, it's important to confirm this and find out for certain. Here are the steps you can take to conduct a warrant search:
Online Warrant Search
1). Visit the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Website: Many counties provide online databases where you can search for active warrants. Start by visiting the Galveston County Sheriff's Office website.
2). Access the Warrant Search Tool: Look for the Fugitive Apprehension Division section on the website, which is dedicated to apprehending wanted persons. They regularly update a bulletin board where they post a wanted list, which is publicly accessible.
3). Review the Search Results: If the results match the person of interest, it will typically provide details about the warrant, including the type of warrant, the date it was issued, and any related case numbers.
In-Person Warrant Search
1). Visit the Galveston County Sheriff's Office: If you prefer to conduct the search in person or if online resources are unavailable, you can visit the Sheriff's Office directly or give them a call. Be prepared to provide identification and any relevant information to assist with the search.
2). Request a Warrant Check: Ask the staff at the Sheriff's Office to conduct a check for you. They may require you to fill out a request form and provide identification. You can also inquire with the Clerk of the Justice of the Peace Courts.
3). Follow Up on the Results: If a warrant is found, the staff will inform you of the details. Time is of the essence to take action promptly to address the warrant and avoid potential legal issues.
What to Do if You Find Out You Have an Arrest Warrant
If you discover that there is a warrant for your arrest, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to help you deal with the situation. An attorney can help you understand the nature of the warrant and why it was issued, the charges against you, and the best course of action to handle the specific legal and criminal aspects. This may include surrendering yourself or petitioning it in court. While arrest warrants are still allegations, you are innocent until proven guilty in criminal court.
Do I Have a Warrant in Galveston County Texas?
There is a quick way to find out if you have an active warrant online. Start by visiting the Galveston County Sheriff Department website, go to the Warrant Division page and see if your name is posted on their warrant list. If you want to check for active warrants in multiple counties, or states, then your best course of action is to use a public records website. These resources allow users to anonymously search for warrants by state or nationwide with a first and last name and date of birth.
